Line connector apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A knotless connector is formed at the end of a tool to enable a rope or line to be connected thereto without the use of a knot. The knotless connector has an arcuate portion (i.e., a first member), a shank portion (i.e., a second member), and a side retaining portion (i.e., a third member). An eyelet is partially defined by the arcuate portion and a slot is defined between the shank portion and the side retaining portion. The eyelet and the slot both open in the same transverse direction. The tail end of the line may be wrapped around the shank portion and then the main line portion of the line may be passed through the eyelet. Thereafter, the tail end may also be passed through the eyelet to hold the main line portion of the line in place.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/306,139, filed on Nov. 29, 2011; the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully rewritten.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to devices for connecting rope or line. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a knotless connector utilized to connect devices with line without the need for tying a knot.

Background Information

Rope is often used to connect objects together. Typically, one end of a rope may be tied to a first object using a knot and a second end of a rope may be tied to another object or the same object using a second knot. While this method has been effective for many years at connecting objects together, instances still remain where it may be difficult to tie a knot. Difficulties stemming from tying knots may be a physical inability of the operator or depend on the structure of the rope.

SUMMARY

Issues continue to exist with ropes and tying knots for connecting objects together. As such, a need exists for a device that establishes a knotless connection for objects connected via a line. The present disclosure addresses these and other issues.

In accordance with one aspect, the present disclosure may provide a knotless connector formed at the end of a tool to enable a rope or line to be connected thereto without the use of a knot. The knotless connector has an arcuate portion (i.e., a first member), a shank portion (i.e., a second member), and a side retaining portion (i.e., a third member). An eyelet may be partially defined by the arcuate portion and a slot is defined between the shank portion and the side retaining portion. The eyelet and the slot both open in the same transverse direction. The tail end of the line may be wrapped around the shank portion and then the main line portion of the line may be passed through the eyelet. Thereafter, the tail end may also be passed through the eyelet to hold the main line portion of the line in place.

In accordance with one aspect, the present disclosure may provide a knotless connector comprising: a first end opposite a second end defining a longitudinal direction therebetween, a first side opposite a second side defining a transverse direction therebetween, and a top surface opposite a bottom surface defining a vertical direction therebetween; an arcuate first wall defining the first end curving from the second side towards the first side and terminating at a free end; a vertically extending eyelet formed proximate the first end and partially defined by the arcuate wall, and a transversely extending opening to the eyelet partially defined by the free end of the arcuate wall a longitudinally extending second wall extending towards the second end from the arcuate first wall; a longitudinally extending third wall extending towards the second end from a transverse connection with the second wall, wherein the third wall is offset from the second wall, and the third wall terminates short of the second wall; a vertically and longitudinally extending slot formed between the second wall and third wall, wherein a transverse opening to the slot is defined between the third wall terminal end and the second wall, wherein the slot is longer longitudinally than vertically.

The knotless connector described above may further include a c-shaped wall defining a portion of the eyelet, wherein the c-shaped wall terminates at projections extending towards the eyelet center. The knotless connector described above may further include a convexly arcuate wall extending from the third member towards the first end defining a portion of the transversely extending opening to the eyelet. The knotless connector described above may further include wherein the third member tapers from the transverse connection with the second member towards the third member terminal end. The knotless connector described above may further include a first side surface on the third member and a second side surface on the third member, wherein the first side surface on the third member is angled and not parallel with the second side surface on the third member. The knotless connector described above may further include a first end of the slot defined by a concavely curved surface, wherein a center of the first end of the slot is longitudinally aligned with a center of the eyelet. The knotless connector described above may further include a first side surface extending vertically between the top surface and the bottom surface; a second side surface extending vertically between the top surface and the bottom surface; a first beveled wall connecting the first side surface to the top surface, and a second beveled wall connecting the second side surface to the top surface. Further, the first and second beveled walls are oriented at a same angle relative to horizontal. Moreover, wherein the first and second beveled walls are at 45 degrees relative to horizontal. There may also include a third beveled wall connecting the first side surface to the bottom surface and a fourth beveled wall connecting the second side surface to the bottom surface. The knotless connector described above may further include more than four (sometimes at least eight) friction points defined by intersecting walls when viewed in cross section, wherein the friction points are adapted to engage a flexible elongated material wrapped around the knotless connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A sample embodiment of the disclosure is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are fully incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various examples, methods, and other example embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale.

FIG. 1A is a top view of an exemplary tool formed with a knotless connector of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a top view of another exemplary tool formed with the knotless connector of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C is a top view of another exemplary tool formed with the knotless connector of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1D is a top view of another exemplary tool formed with the knotless connector of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1E is a top view of another exemplary tool formed with the knotless connector of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1F is a top view of another exemplary tool formed with the knotless connector of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of the knotless connector seen from the region labeled “See FIG. 2” in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the knotless connector taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A is a cross section of a portion of the knotless connector taken along line 3A-3A in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a cross section of an alternative portion of the knotless connector;

FIG. 3C is a cross section of an alternative portion of the knotless connector;

FIG. 3D is a cross section of an alternative portion of the knotless connector;

FIG. 3E is a cross section of an alternative portion of the knotless connector;

FIG. 3F is a cross section of an alternative portion of the knotless connector;

FIG. 4A is an operational view of a first step for wrapping line around the knotless connector;

FIG. 4B is an operational view of a second step for wrapping line around the knotless connector;

FIG. 4C is an operational view of a third step for wrapping line around the knotless connector;

FIG. 4D is an operational view of a fourth step for wrapping line around the knotless connector;

FIG. 4E is an operational view of an alternative third step for wrapping line around the knotless connector;

FIG. 4F is an operational view of an alternative fourth step for wrapping line around the knotless connector;

FIG. 5A is an operational view for a first step of wrapping a double-backed line around the knotless connector;

FIG. 5B is an operational view of a second step for wrapping a double-backed line around the knotless connector;

FIG. 5C is an operational view of a third step for wrapping a double-backed line around the knotless connector;

FIG. 5D is an operational view of a fourth step for wrapping a double-backed line around the knotless connector;

FIG. 5E is an operational view of an alternative third step for wrapping a double-backed around the knotless connector;

FIG. 5F is an operational view of an alternative fourth step for wrapping a double-backed line around the knotless connector;

FIG. 6A is an operational view of a first step for creating a slack-wrap with the knotless connector;

FIG. 6B is an operational view of a second step for creating a slack-wrap with the knotless connector;

FIG. 6C is an operational view of a third step for creating a slack-wrap with the knotless connector;

FIG. 6D is an operational view of a fourth step for creating a slack-wrap with the knotless connector;

FIG. 7A is an operational view of a first step for creating a belay configuration with the knotless connector;

FIG. 7B is an operational view of a second step for creating a belay configuration with the knotless connector;

FIG. 7C is an operational view of third step for creating a belay configuration with the knotless connector;

FIG. 8A is an operational view of a first step for creating a repel brake configuration with the knotless connector;

FIG. 8B is an operational view of a second step for creating a repel brake configuration with the knotless connector;

FIG. 9A is a top view depicting a first embodiment retaining sleeve;

FIG. 9B is a top view depicting a second embodiment retaining sleeve;

FIG. 10A is a schematic view of an exemplary tool assembly connected via line;

FIG. 10B is a schematic view of an alternative tool assembly connected via line;

FIG. 10C is a schematic view of an alternative tool assembly connected via line;

FIG. 10D is a schematic view of an alternative tool assembly connected via line;

FIG. 10E is a schematic view of an alternative tool assembly connected via line; and

FIG. 10F is a schematic view of an alternative tool assembly connected via line.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A knotless connector 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is formed on a variety of tools which will be described in greater detail below. Reference will first be made to the knotless connector 10 depicted in greater detail at FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Then, further description will be made to the tools that are formed with knotless connector 10 in FIG. 1A-FIG. 1F. Then, the operation of wrapping a line or a rope around the knotless connector 10 will be described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 4A-FIG. 8B. Then, reference is made to a cross section portion of the tool and its various embodiments creating friction points to take “slack” out of the line in FIG. 3A-FIG. 3F. Thereafter, reference is made to assembled systems in FIG. 10A-FIG. 10F.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the knotless connector 10 is formed at the first end 12 of a tool. The tool may have a second end 14 spaced apart from the first end 12 defining a longitudinal direction therebetween. Second end 14 may be formed in a variety of different configurations so as to accomplish different goals as will be described in greater detail below. The tool includes a first side 16 opposite a second side 18 defining a transverse direction therebetween. A top surface 20 is opposite a bottom surface 22 defining a vertical direction therebetween.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the top surface 20 is connected to a sidewall defining the first side 16 at a first beveled wall 24 (when viewed in cross section). A second beveled wall 26 (in cross section) connects the top surface 20 with a vertical sidewall defining the second side 18. A third beveled sidewall 28 (in cross section) is spaced vertically from first beveled wall 24. The third beveled wall 28 (in cross section) connects the sidewall defining the first side 16 to the bottom surface 22. A fourth beveled wall 30 (in cross section) is spaced vertically from the second beveled wall 26 and connects the bottom surface 22 to the sidewall defining the second side 18.

The connection of the beveled walls 24, 26, 28, and 30 to the respective top and bottom surfaces and the sidewalls establish eight friction points where the exterior surface of the tool changes directions. The friction points are collectively shown by reference numeral 32. Additional friction points 32 will be described in greater detail below with respect to the configuration of knotless connector 10, namely with respect to the friction points defined between a second wall and a third wall of the knotless connector.

Knotless connector 10 may comprise a first arcuate member 34, which also may be referred to as an arcuate wall 34 or arcuate portion 34. The arcuate member 34 extends from a connection with a second rigid member 36, which also may be referred to as a second wall 36 or second portion 36 or shank 36. It is to be understood that the knotless connector 10 is formed as a monolithic member of rigid metal and that the terms “connection” or “attached” are used for descriptive purposes herein to identify different locations or features of the knotless connector 10, but they may not necessarily be distinct pieces connected together. For example, when reference is made to the second member 36 being connected to the arcuate member 34, this is meant to refer to different portions of the knotless connector 10 are formed from a single monolithic rigid metallic structure. Moreover, the material used to form the knotless connector 10 is not intended to be limiting such that a non-metallic structure having sufficient rigidity could be utilized to form knotless connector 10.

A third member 38 or third portion 38 extends longitudinally from a transverse connector 40 or transverse member 40 extending transversely between the second member 36 and third member 38. The first arcuate member 34 extends in a curved manner from a region near the transverse member 40 at a radius of curvature of approximately 180° such that the arcuate member terminates at a terminal free end 42. Collectively, the first arcuate member 34 and the transverse member 40 define a first eyelet 44. The eyelet 44 is not completely bound, rather it is open. The transverse opening 46 to the eyelet 44 is defined between terminal free end 42 and a convexly arcuate portion 51 of the transverse portion 40. The opening 46 faces the first side 16 and extends slightly longitudinally complementary to an arcuate curve 48 of transverse portion 40. The convexly arcuate portion 51 extends from the third member 38 towards the first end defining a portion of the transversely extending opening 46 to the eyelet 44.

The arcuate member 34 further includes a beveled wall 48 extending therearound bounding the top surface 20. Moreover, the beveled wall 48 extends around the arcuate member 34 in a generally C-shaped pattern or configuration. The beveled wall 48 extends continuously, as shown in FIG. 2, around the outside edges of top surface 20. Collectively, when viewed in cross section as depicted in FIG. 3, the first beveled wall 24 and the second beveled wall 26 define portions of the collective beveled wall 48 extending around the top surface. Similarly, a single beveled wall 52 bounds the bottom surface 22, but when viewed in cross section appears to form multiple beveled walls, namely, the third beveled wall 28 and the fourth beveled wall 30.

The first eyelet 44 extends vertically as a through aperture and is bound by an arcuately convex sidewall 50 extending vertically from the lower beveled wall 52 to the top beveled wall 48. Sidewall 50 is C-shaped when viewed from above and terminates at ends enabling the definition of passageway 46 to extend transversely therethrough. The c-shaped wall 50 defines a portion of the eyelet 44 and the c-shaped 50 wall terminates at projections 53 extending inwardly towards the eyelet center.

The transverse member 40 of the knotless connector 10 extends from the first side 16 to the second side 18. The third member 38 extends longitudinally towards the second end from the transverse portion 40. The third member 38 includes a vertically extending sidewall 52 (FIG. 3). Sidewall 52 may extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis extending between first end 12 and second end 14. The third wall member 38 extends towards the second end 14 to a terminal end 54 where the top beveled wall 48 alters directions. In one embodiment, the beveled wall 48 alters directions by greater than 270° and extends longitudinally towards the transverse member 40. A second sidewall 56 on the third member 38 runs longitudinally at an angle (i.e., not parallel) relative to the longitudinal axis towards the transverse member 40.

The second sidewall 56 merges into an arcuately concave sidewall 58 bounding a portion of the third member 38 near the transverse member 40. The arcuately concave wall 58 alters the direction of the sidewall by approximately 180° and extends longitudinally towards the second end at a first sidewall 60 of the second rigid member 36. Second rigid member 36 includes a second sidewall 62 opposite that of first sidewall 60 on rigid member 36.

A slot 64 is formed between the second member 36 and the third member 38. More particularly, the slot 64 is bound between sidewall 56, concave sidewall 58, and sidewall 60. The slot 64 extends generally longitudinally and also generally transversely at a slight angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The slot opens transversely offset towards the second end from terminal end 54 of third member 38. In one particular embodiment, the transverse opening 66 to slot 64 faces the same transverse direction as transverse opening 46 to eyelet 44. When viewed from above, this transverse direction faces to the left side or the first side.

The slot 64 has a longitudinal length that is greater than its vertical depth. The vertical depth of slot 64 is depicted as dimension line 68 in FIG. 3 and varies depending on the size of the knotless connector 10 on the tool. However, in some configurations, the depth of slot 64 may be in a range from about ¼″ to about 1″.

FIG. 1A depicts a tool having knotless connector 10 at the first end 12 and the tool being generally shown at 100A. Tool 100A is a substantially monolithic member formed of a rigid material such as a hardened metal extending between the first end 12 and the second end 14. The second end 14 of tool 100A may be formed with a second knotless connector 10A identical to that of the first end 12. The second knotless connector 10A may be symmetrical about a transverse midline 70. The second knotless connector 10A of tool 100A can be utilized to attach an elongated line or rope as will be described in greater detail below. Stated otherwise, the second end 14 defines a knotless connection mechanism (i.e, second knotless connector 10A) structured mirroredly identical to that of the first end 12.

FIG. 1B depicts a second embodiment of the knotless connector 10 formed on a tool 100B. With respect to tool 100B, the knotless connector 10 defines the first end 12 and the second end 14 is defined by a carabiner-style retaining clip. The carabiner-style retaining clip is depicted generally at 72 and is formed from an arcuately extending curved member and a spring retention clip 74. A portion of the spring retention clip 74 may be positioned proximate transverse midline 70 to selectively permit ingress and egress onto the hooked portion of carabiner-style retaining clip 72.

FIG. 1C depicts another embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure wherein the knotless connector 10 defines the first end 12 of tool 100C. Tool 100C includes a handle 76 defining the second end 14 of tool 100C. Handle 76 defines a first aperture 78 and a second aperture 80 extending vertically through the handle 76. The first aperture 78 may intersect the longitudinal axis while the second aperture 80 may be offset from the longitudinal axis extending between the first end 12 and the second end 14 of tool 100C. The handle 76 may be formed with gripping features around the vertical sidewall of tool 100C to provide a comfortable region that a user may grasp in the event tool 100C needs to be pulled along the longitudinal axis. For example, handle 76 includes a generally arcuately convex portion 82 at the second end 14 and an arcuately concave portion 84 configured to be grasped by at least two or three fingers of a user's hand. As will be described in greater detail below, the handle portion 76 of tool 100C may be utilized in combination with other tools 100A, 100B, 100D, 100E, or 100F in order to form various combinations such as a block and tackle or a tensioning device.

As depicted in FIG. 1D, a tool 100D is shown in accordance with the present disclosure wherein the knotless connector 10 defines the first end 12 of tool 100D and a completely bound eyelet 86 (which may also be referred to as second eyelet 86) is formed by an annular member 88 defining the second end 14 of tool 100D. The a second eyelet 86 formed proximate the second end 14 of the knotless connector, wherein the second eyelet 86 has a diameter greater than that of the first eyelet 44.

FIG. 1E depicts a tool 100E in accordance with the present disclosure wherein the knotless connector 10 defines the first end 12 of tool 100E and a portion of a shackle 90 defines the second end 14.

FIG. 1F depicts a tool 100F in accordance with the present disclosure wherein the knotless connector 10 defines the first end 12 of tool 100F and a threaded rod connection 92 defines the second end 14 of tool 100F.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross section view of the second member 36 of the tool. The second portion 36 includes a cross section that is not squared but rather has beveled corners to establish the friction points 32 at an angle preferably 45° or less. The friction points 32 established by the connection of the beveled walls with the flat surfaces of the second portion 36 or the shank of the knotless connector 10 reduces wear on a line L as it is wrapped around the shank or second portion 36.

FIG. 4A-FIG. 4C represent the operational wrapping of an elongated member or line which is generally referred to as line L. Generally throughout the present disclosure, the tail end or tail portion of line L may be referred to as T and the main portion of the line L may be generally be referred to as M. As shown in FIG. 4A, the tail end T of line L is placed closely adjacent the second portion 36 such that the line L extends transversely across the body of the tool just beyond the terminal end 54 of the third portion 38. As indicated in FIG. 4B, the tail T is wrapped twice around the second portion 36 such that a double wrap is formed and the line L is guided towards the concave wall 58 bounding the slot 64. The main line M is passed behind the third portion 38 and the tail T is allowed to freely hang. As indicated in FIG. 4C, the main line M is then pulled behind the transverse member 40 and guided through opening 46 such that main line M is pulled through the eyelet 44 and over the first arcuate portion 34. An approximate right angle is formed between the main line M and one of the loops defined by the double wrap of the tail T of line L.

Thereafter, as depicted in FIG. 4D, the tail T may be passed through the opening 46 and through eyelet 44 such that the tail T is closer to opening 46 when extending through the eyelet 44 behind the first arcuate portion 34 opposite that of main line M. In this instance, the tail T serves to act as a “block” to prevent the main line M from dislodging or exiting the opening 46.

FIG. 4E and FIG. 4F are similar to those described above but provide a scenario where the tail T is first passed through the opening 46 in order to extend through eyelet 44 as indicated in FIG. 4E. Thereafter, the main line M is pulled through the opening 46 to extend through eyelet 44 at a near 90° angle relative to the double wrap around the second portion 36 such that the tail T resides beneath the main line M after the main line M has been pulled taught.

FIG. 5A-FIG. 5D depict an alternative embodiment of wrapping a line L′ around knotless connector 10. In this embodiment, the line is represented by L′ indicating that the line L′ has been double backed such that the main line M′ forms a looped portion and the tail line T′ includes two ends of the line. The line L′ is positioned near the second portion 36 such that the double backed tail end T′ may be wrapped at least once around the second portion 36 as indicated in FIG. 5B. Thereafter, the double backed main line portion M′ may be pulled through opening 46 such that it may be threaded through the eyelet 44 and be generally at a 90° angle relative to the wrapped portion of the line around the second portion 36 as indicated in FIG. 5C. After the double backed main line portion M′ is pulled through the eyelet 44, the double backed tail end T′ may be pulled through the eyelet 44 by transversely moving it through the opening 46 such that the tail end acts as a “block” for the main line M′. The main line M′ may then be separated to create an aperture (not seen but between the two portion of the double backed line L″). Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F, the tail end T′ of the double backed line L′ may first be pulled through the eyelet 44 by transversely moving it through the opening 46 as indicated in FIG. 5E. As indicated in FIG. 5F, the main line M′ may then be thereafter pulled through the opening 46 to threadably position the main line M′ through the eyelet 44. Again, the main line M′ is positioned at a near 90° angle relative to the portion of the line L′ wrapped around the second portion 36 of knotless connector 10.

In operation and with reference to FIG. 6A-FIG. 6D, an embodiment utilizing the knotless connector 10 with line L depicts a “slack-wrap” configuration. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B represent the initial setup wherein the tail T is wrapped a single time around the second portion 36 such that the single wrap is disposed substantially within the slot. Thereafter, the main line M may be passed through the eyelet 44 by moving the main line M transversely through opening 46 to define an approximately 90° relationship with the single wrap line L in the slot around the second portion 36. In this configuration, the knotless connector 10 formed with any one of the tools depicted in FIG. 1A-FIG. 1E may form a slack action which could be used for selectively altering the line L length in a controlled manner. In this instance, the weighted object could be tied to the tail T such that the downward or lowering movement of an object be controlled by selectively grasping or braking the main line M. Main line M is braked by applying a non-orthogonal or orthogonal force to the main line M which causes the main line M to contact one of the friction points 32.

As depicted in FIG. 6D, an optional arrangement is provided which could move the tail T through the eyelet 44 by transversely moving the tail T through opening 46 to selectively lock the weighted object suspended by tail T in a desired location.

In operation and with reference to FIG. 7A-FIG. 7C, an embodiment utilizing knotless connector 10 with line L depicts a belay configuration. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B present the initial setup where the tail T is wrapped a single time around the second member 36 such that the single wrap is disposed substantially within the slot 64. Thereafter, the tail T is wrapped over the transverse member 40 and threaded through eyelet 44 defining and approximately 90° relationship with the single wrap line L in the slot 64 around the second portion 36. In this configuration, the knotless connector 10 formed with any one of the tools depicted in FIG. 1A-FIG. 1E may form a belay action which could be used for selectively lowering a weighted object in a controlled manner. In this instance, the weighted object could be tied to the main line M or connected to the main line M such that the downward or lowering movement of the weighted object be controlled by selectively grasping or braking the tail T. Tail T is braked by applying a non-orthogonal force to the tail T which causes the main line M to contact the third member 38 to stop the movement thereof.

In operation and with reference to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, an embodiment utilizing knotless connector 10 with line L depicts a repel brake wrap. In this instance, the line L extends through an eyelet 44 on the knotless connector 10 and wraps around the body portion a single time and extends through the second knotless connector 10A on an opposite end of the tool. An operator may hold the main line M to effectuate a stopping motion by pressing the line L opposite the motion of the device. This accomplishes a braking action which may be used during repelling.

Reference is now made to the various cross sections capable of forming friction points 32 and the operation thereof for pulling and tightening the wraps identified in FIG. 4-FIG. 8 to remove the “slack” from the line L.

FIG. 3A depicts one particular embodiment where an octagonal cross section is provided wherein eight friction points 32 are formed by 45° beveled connections between the top surface and the bottom surface and the right sidewall and the left sidewall respectively. As the line L is pulled in the direction of the force arrow F in FIG. 3A, a first friction point region 101 is established at the first friction point 32 located closest to the pulling force F on the line L. The friction point 32 at first friction region 101 contacts the line L and continues to pull the line L such that the line L contacts a friction point 32 at a second friction region 103 closely adjacent the first friction region 101. A first slack area 105 is defined between the line L and the left sidewall of the shank 36. A third friction region 107 is defined between friction point 32 contacting the line L. A fourth friction region 109 is defined between friction point 32 and the line L wherein the friction point 32 is established by an angle less than or equal to 45°. After the fourth friction region 109, a second slack area 115 is positioned closely adjacent the bottom surface. A fifth friction region 111 and a sixth friction region 113 are proximate the bottom surface of the shank 36 and are configured to contact the line L at points defined by the second portion 36 or shank of the knotless connector 10 having an angle less than or equal to about 45°. A third slack area 117 is positioned intermediate the sixth friction region 113 and a seventh friction region 119. An eighth friction region 121 is defined between the friction point 32 and the line L. Collectively, the first through eighth friction regions and the slack areas cooperate such that as the line L is put under tension by pulling in the direction of arrow F, the slack areas 105, 115, 117, and optionally a fourth slack area are taken in sequentially such that the line L in these regions is pulled tighter and tighter. As the line is taken in and reduced from the slack areas 105, 115, and 117 friction is added to the closest corresponding friction point 32. After enough friction points 32 have been engaged, the cumulative friction exceeds the strength of the rope, thus locking the rope or line L in place. The shank or second member 36 provides the friction and the wrap overlay provides the anchor points.

FIG. 3B depicts a cross section taken along line 3A-3A in FIG. 2 that corresponds to a shank having an alternative cross section. In one particular embodiment, the shank of second member 36 has an arcuately convex top surface spaced apart from an arcuately convex bottom surface. Two arcuately concave sidewalls may face opposite directions such that the shank may be both transversely and vertically symmetric without having any flat surfaces. Yet, the friction points 32 established between the connected convex and concave sidewalls form angles less than about 90° to reduce force put on line L as it is wrapped around the shank of the knotless connector 10.

FIG. 3B depicts an alternate cross sectional embodiment of the knotless connector 10 in accordance with another particular embodiment.

FIG. 3C depicts a shank having a generally triangular form with truncated ends such that the truncated ends form flat portions establishing a transversely asymmetric hexagon.

FIG. 3D depicts an alternative embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure wherein the shank 36 has a cross section defined by a plurality of arcuately concave outwardly facing surfaces positioned intermediate a plurality of arcuately convex outwardly facing outer surface portions. Friction points 32 are established between the ends of the concave surfaces and connected with the ends of the convex surfaces.

FIG. 3E depicts an alternative embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure wherein the cross section of the shank or second portion 36 of the knotless connector 10 is formed in a pentagon that is transversely symmetrical about an imaginary vertical axis but vertically asymmetrical about an imaginary transverse axis extending through the center portion of the shank when viewed in cross section. The friction points 32 are established at the corners of the pentagon-shaped cross section of the shank 36.

FIG. 3F depicts an alternative embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure wherein the shank portion 36 of the knotless connector 10 is formed in a cross configuration enabling the line L to be wrapped therearound to establish friction points 32 at the corners of the cross.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B depict a sleeve that may be used in conjunction with the knotless connector 10 to retain the line L in the desired position within eyelet 44. As such, the sleeve may also be referred to as a retaining member. FIG. 9A depicts a retaining member 200A that is positioned to retain the main line M and the tail T within eyelet 44 but not covering terminal end 42 of the arcuate portion 34. Rather, retaining member 200A covers a portion of the concave sidewall 50 and does not cover opening 46. The retaining member 200A may be formed from a variety of known devices such as a hook and loop closure or an elastic band or a snap collar or other generally cylindrical known retaining mechanisms configured to surround the line L, as well as a portion of the arcuate portion 34.

FIG. 9B depicts a retaining member 200B that is configured to fit as a sleeve or a collar entirely over the knotless connector 10 such that the retaining member 100B covers the opening 46 to eyelet 44. The covering of opening 46 entirely precludes the movement of line L from moving into or out of the eyelet 44. As should be easily understood, the installation of retaining member 200A or retaining member 200B occurs after the knotless connector 10 has been wrapped with any one of the knots described in greater detail above with reference to FIG. 4-FIG. 8.

FIG. 10A represents a schematic view of a tool system employing two tools 100B with a line L connected therebetween. This configuration operates as a “bungie cord” setup such that the carabiner clips on respective ends of the assembled configuration enables an operator to clip two opposing ends in order to tie down an object and selectively tighten the line therebetween connecting the two tools 100B together at their respective knotless connectors 10. As indicated by the schematic circle labeled “see FIG. 4D, FIG. 6D, and FIG. 7C”, this represents that the tool 100B may be tied with any one of the knotless connectors 10 depicted in that respective figure. Thus, the tool 100B on the left side of FIG. 10A may be secured to its knotless connector 10 with the knotless connection identified in FIG. 4D while the tool 100B may be secured to the line L via the knotless connection identified in FIG. 6D or any combination thereof.

As depicted in FIG. 10B, a trucker's hitch assembly is provided utilizing two of the tools 100A. Looking towards the tool 100A on the right side of FIG. 10B, a loop may be created utilizing the slack wrap embodiment of FIG. 6 at the rightmost knotless connector 10 and the slack wrap identified in FIG. 6D may be connected to the knotless connector 10 on the left side of the right tool 100A in FIG. 10B. Looking towards the tool 100A on the left side of FIG. 10B, the loop wrap identified in FIG. 5D may be utilized to create a main line loop identified by M′ at the leftmost knotless connector 10 of tool 100A on the left side of FIG. 10B. Furthermore, one of the knotless connections identified in FIG. 4D, FIG. 6D, or FIG. 7D may be utilized to connect the left tool 100A at its rightmost knotless connector 10 to the line L to therebetween connect the left tool 100A with the right tool 100A. In operation, the slack wraps identified on the right tool 100A enable the trucker's hitch to operate by selectively tightening and loosening the connection at the right tool 100A to accomplish the selective tightening of the rope to secure an object.

FIG. 10C depicts a tensioning configuration formed from two of the carabiner tools 100B, the outermost portions configured to clip on to a selective device and an eyelet tool 100D and handle tool 100C intermediate the outermost carabiner tools 100B. The rightmost carabiner tool 100B may be connected via line L to the handle tool 100C utilizing the knotless connections of the wrapped line identified in FIG. 4D or FIG. 6D. The leftmost carabiner tool 100B may be connected to the eyelet tool 100D at their respective knotless connectors 10 via the wrapped connections identified in FIG. 4C or FIG. 6D. Looking towards the center of the tensioning assembly, a line L may be threaded through the eyelet 88 on eyelet tool 100D and through the apertures formed in the handle of handle tool 100C. The line L connecting the eyelet tool 100D to the handle tool 100C may be tightened last after the carabiner tools 100B have been selectively connected to the device that needs tensioned. The operator then may cinch or continue to pull the eyelet tool 100D closer to the handle tool 100C and tie it off in a knot when the tensioning assembly has sufficiently applied the desired amount of tension to the object.

FIG. 10D depicts a block and tackle set up that may be beneficial to hunters needing to hoist an animal carcass such as a deer into a tree rapidly in the wilderness. The block and tackle set up of FIG. 10D may include the eyelet tool 100D, the handle tool 100C, and tool 100A. The tool 100A may be positioned rightmost relative to the other tools and one end may include the double wrap main line M′ connected with the wrap shown in FIG. 5D. The other end of tool 100A may connect a line L utilizing the wrap of FIG. 4D or FIG. 4C with the knotless connector 10 on handle tool 100C utilizing a similar connection. The eyelet tool 100D may include a double wrap loop as identified in FIG. 5D. In operation, one end of the looped wraps may be looped around a tree branch and the other looped end may be wrapped around an animal carcass. The block and tackle feature may operate allowing the hunter to hoist the animal into the tree by tying a rope between the eyelet tool 100D and the handle tool 100C to selectively raise and lower the animal off the ground. While this embodiment has been described as useful for hunting configurations, it is contemplated that any other use of a block and tackle set up as known in physical dynamics and physics would easily be accomplished.

FIG. 10E depicts an alternative assembly utilizing eyelet tool 100D in conjunction with tool 100A. Tool 100A may be wrapped utilizing the repel brake wrap identified in FIG. 8 which enables an operator to hold the line L and effectuate a stopping motion by pressing the line L opposite the motion against the device. The repel brake wrapped around tool 100A enables the eyelet tool 100C to be connected to its knotless connector 10 via the wrap shown in FIG. 4D and FIG. 6D. This enables an operator to slowly lower an object utilizing the repel brake to selectively control the lowering of an object relative to eyelet tool 100D.

FIG. 10F represents an assembly of eyelet tool 100D and tool 100A. The lowermost end of tool 100A utilizes a loop wrap identified in FIG. 5D to create a loop with the main line M′. A line may connect knotless connector 10 on eyelet tool 100D to an opposing end on tool 100A with the wrap connections identified in FIG. 4D, FIG. 6D, and FIG. 7C. When employing the wrap of FIG. 7C on eyelet tool 100D, a belay may be used to selectively lower the load hanging from the loop wrap of tool 100A.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the preferred embodiment of the disclosure are an example and the disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown or described. 

What is claimed:
 1. A knotless connector comprising: a first end opposite a second end defining a longitudinal direction therebetween, a first side opposite a second side defining a transverse direction therebetween, and a top surface opposite a bottom surface defining a vertical direction therebetween; an arcuate first member defining the first end curving from the second side towards the first side and terminating at a free end; a vertically extending eyelet formed proximate the first end and partially defined by the arcuate first member, and a transversely extending opening to the eyelet partially defined by the free end of the arcuate first member; a longitudinally extending second member extending towards the second end from the arcuate first member; a longitudinally extending third member extending towards the second end from a transverse connection with the second member, wherein the third member is offset from the second member, and the third member terminates short of the second member; a vertically and longitudinally extending slot formed between the second member and third member, wherein a transverse opening to the slot is defined between the third member terminal end and the second member, wherein the slot is longer longitudinally than vertically.
 2. The knotless connector of claim 1, further comprising: a c-shaped wall defining a portion of the eyelet, wherein the c-shaped wall terminates at projections extending towards the eyelet center.
 3. The knotless connector of claim 1, further comprising: a convexly arcuate wall extending from the third member towards the first end defining a portion of the transversely extending opening to the eyelet.
 4. The knotless connector of claim 1, wherein the third member tapers from the transverse connection with the second member towards the third member terminal end.
 5. The knotless connector of claim 1, further comprising: a first side surface on the third member and a second side surface on the third member, wherein the first side surface on the third member is angled and not parallel with the second side surface on the third member.
 6. The knotless connector of claim 1, further comprising a first end of the slot defined by a concavely curved surface, wherein a center of the first end of the slot is longitudinally aligned with a center of the eyelet.
 7. The knotless connector of claim 1, further comprising: a first side surface extending vertically between the top surface and the bottom surface; a second side surface extending vertically between the top surface and the bottom surface; a first beveled wall connecting the first side surface to the top surface.
 8. The knotless connector of claim 7, further comprising a second beveled wall connecting the second side surface to the top surface.
 9. The knotless connector of claim 8, wherein the first and second beveled walls are oriented at a same angle relative to horizontal.
 10. The knotless connector of claim 9, wherein the first and second beveled walls are at 45 degrees relative to horizontal.
 11. The knotless connector of claim 8, further comprising a third beveled wall connecting the first side surface to the bottom surface and a fourth beveled wall connecting the second side surface to the bottom surface.
 12. The knotless connector of claim 1, further comprising at least eight friction points defined by intersecting walls when viewed in cross section, wherein the friction points are adapted to engage a flexible elongated material wrapped around the knotless connector.
 13. The knotless connector of claim 1, wherein the second end defines a connection mechanism structured mirroredly identical to that of the first end.
 14. The knotless connector of claim 1, further comprising a spring retention clip formed near the second end of the knotless connector.
 15. The knotless connector of claim 1, further comprising a handle formed proximate the second end of the knotless connector.
 16. The knotless connector of claim 1, further comprising a second eyelet formed proximate the second end of the knotless connector, wherein the second eyelet has a diameter greater than that of the first eyelet.
 17. The knotless connector of claim 1, further comprising a shackle formed near the second end of the knotless connector.
 18. The knotless connector of claim 1, further comprising a line retaining collar selectively covering a portion of the eyelet. 